Our Story
Created in 2001 in Tanzania by epidemiologist Paul Courtright and ophthalmologist Susan Lewallen, the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO) was established to join global efforts to eliminate the burden of avoidable blindness. From the beginning, KCCO has been guided by a long-term belief: if eye care programmes are to last, they need to be built and led locally. KCCO has therefore focused on supporting African eye health professionals, hospitals, health authorities and communities to strengthen eye care from within, so that services reach the people most often missed.
Since 2008, KCCO has steadily expanded beyond Tanzania to meet growing demand, partnering with programmes in both Anglophone and Francophone Africa.
Our Mission
We work in close partnership with governments, hospitals, and NGOs to ensure that quality eye care is accessible, equitable, and locally driven. Every programme we support is designed to deliver lasting change — through evidence, training, and community leadership.
Our Team
From our headquarters in Moshi, Tanzania, we work regionally across sub-Saharan Africa, supporting health professionals, Ministries of Health, and global partners.
Leadership
Dr. Robert Geneau – Executive Director, KCCO International
Mr. Edson Eliah – Director, KCCO Tanzania
Program & Coordination
Ms. Elizabeth Kishiki – Childhood Blindness and Low Vision Coordinator
Mr. Peter Kileo – Programme Coordinator
Mr. Genes Mng’anya – Administration and Course Manager
Ms. Fortunate Shija – Microfinance and Eye Care Coordinator
Ms. Frida Matawa – Programme Officer
Ms. Christina Mariki – M&E Officer
Mr. Edmund Kamazima – Programme Assistant
Support & Administration
Mr. John Minde – Accounting Assistant
Ms. Eva Manase – Financial Assistant
Ms. Petra Adams – Programme Administrator
Founders & Consultants
Dr. Paul Courtright
Dr. Susan Lewallen
KCCO currently supports eye health programmes in Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. In each country, our role is shaped by local priorities – from childhood blindness to cataract outreach to trachoma elimination.
KCCO is a member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the International Coalition for Trachoma Control, contributing to international efforts to strengthen eye health systems and eliminate avoidable blindness. In recognition of its contributions to global eye health, KCCO was awarded the prestigious António Champalimaud Vision Award in 2015.
Annual Reports
If you would like to receive a hard copy of our most recent annual report please contact us at admin@kcco.org.
Please contact us at admin@kcco.org if you would like a copy of older reports (prior to 2014).